Natural golf: All hat and no cattle?

The concept of "natural golf" seems to be, at first, an oxymoron. Or, if you prefer, just moronic.

How can there be a "natural" approach to a game that repeatedly has been described over the years as so "unnatural?" If there is an easier way to strike a golf ball, wouldn't one of the game's legendary teachers have come up with it already?

But, like all new promises to make your swing easier, but not necessarily more affordable, this one has its proponents.

Natural golf was "invented" by a man named Moe Norman, who has a reputation for being one of the game's maverick teachers.

Still, you have to be dubious of anyone who claims he can "give the world talent," which is what Norman does on his Web site www.naturalgolf.com. He claimed the inspiration for the approach came years ago when a carpenter showed him how he gripped a hammer. Understand, Moe is from Canada.

Natural golf promises the "simplest swing" in golf, but it sounds pretty complicated. You grip the club almost like you would a baseball bat, and the wide, "natural" stance reminds me of a stink-bug.

The natural golfer faces the ball at the moment of impact: "This is a significant departure from conventional golf, which requires its rotation of legs, torso and hips," says the instructions at the Web site.

Most of the conventional teachers I contacted had never heard of natural golf, and the few who had would not comment on the record.

Casey Eberting, who runs a school out of Dallas/Ft. Worth, did say he teaches a swing similar to the "natural" swing, but only to those with physical handicaps.

There is a free natural golf video, which I couldn't make any sense of, and of course there are lessons, instructional packages and special clubs - all for a price.

Apparently, there are many people willing to pay.

There are quite a few success stories, if you believe what natural golfers say on various forums.

"Natural Golf is definitely not a gimmick," said a golfer named Mike. "It is a legitimate way to hit a golf ball. In my life I have taken lessons from multiple teachers who taught multiple different methods. I learned the Ballard method, Leadbetter, and Haney methods, but never seemed to improve."

Mike said he took up natural golf four years ago and has improved his handicap by more than 50 percent.

"My goal is to become a scratch golfer," he said. "I definitely recommend it to anybody who has struggled with their game, and is willing to give something new a try."

There are many other positive comments.

"Fortunately, (natural golf) is not for suckers," said one. "It does work. There are hundreds, actually thousands, of us that have proven it works. But you need to truly believe in it and keep at it."

Others aren't so sure.

One "natural" said he was having trouble off the tee: "You can't play this way," he said. "It's too humiliating, not to mention no fun."

One golfer modified the recommended natural practice method by hitting balls off a bar stool.

He didn't say whether he was in a bar or on a golf course at the time.

Skeptical, I went out to the driving range and hit two buckets of balls, one with my conventional swing and one with the "natural" swing. Granted, this was without much instruction, instructional packages or special clubs.

I liked the idea of forgetting all the technical stuff I'd pretended to learn through the years, and just grabbing the club like a lumberjack grabs an axe. In truth, the results weren't much different from my usual swing.

I did get a few weird looks from other golfers, but that's natural for me.

May 2, 2005

Veteran golf writer Tim McDonald keeps one eye on the PGA Tour and another watching golf vacation hotspots and letting travelers in on the best place to vacation.

First of all Tim doesn't have too many of his facts straight...
#1
Moe was never a "Teacher" of the golf swing...he was a player...won 55 Canadian torunaments..shot 59 3 times and had a total of 18 "hole in ones"...this is all documented .....
#2//Lee Trevino actual said once(documented on video) that he wasn't sure if Ben Hogan..or Moe Norman was the best "ball striker" of all time..Didnt say player said "ball striker"....
Knew Moe Norman for 3 of 4 years..he used to come down and give exhibitions at Flagler Beach along with teacher/instructor Craig Shankland(rated one of top 50 instructors) in golf digest...forgot the years.....the swing is an excellent choice if you want to save your back for later years..guys that try this for a few months and quit don't have a clue how to do it..they just say hey it doesn't work....teaching pro once told me that to change your swing completely you have to hit at least 10k balls(that's if you do it the correct way).....Im in the process of changing my swing to save my back and it has been great for me....The Graves brothers knew Moe back when and have developed a great teaching program for Moes swing....they only teach Moes swing....every aspect every angle compared on video....look forward to attending one of the 5 day schools.....cant argue with perfection my friends.....!!

Real natural golf is what everyone seems to be calling traditional golf or what the pros play. That golf swing is natural. The brand name natural golf swing is actually not natural even though there are a few elements that align with physics such as inertia. But back to the traditional swing. When done properly all elements align with physics. Truth said, neither swing is ever done perfectly, something will always be imperfect yet your chances are much better with the methods traditionally taught than they are with the brand. Yes the brand may help maintain a few physical elements more consistently than the traditional methods but overall the vast majority of people will have a much better swing if they learn how to employ and approach the methods of traditional golf. If you don't believe this then maybe you believe traditional golf instructors want to keep you roped into lessons by keeping your performance poor, if so then utilize the brand and just try to have some fun.

I have tried some parts of Moe's swing. When I address the ball with the drive, I play the ball off by front foot, but move the club back about 12 inches. Now my head and eyes are about 12 inches behind the ball too. I don't know whether to look at the ball (ahead of me) or look at my club. It is interesting to try this.

its hard to read about Moe Norman and not be curious about his swing style. I watched several videos of him demonstrating and explaining his swing. I went to the range and tried it with little success. One thing was clear to me. It looks and feels anything but natural. He simply hammers at the ball. The truncated follow seems be an attempt not to swing. So how did he become such a phenomenal striker and why do so few golfers seem to use this swing if it is so powerful and accurate? My theory comes right from the Graves promo video bio on Norman. After his childhood accident--in a period of 5 years-- he withdrew from normal life and allegedly hit a million balls or more in that period. Just imagine that! So a kid recovering from significant injury strikes a million balls in a few years and perfects an unusual way to hit balls long and straight. Does that mean you could learn it in your next couple of buckets? I leave the answer to you. And while the PGA has its view on the best way to teach the swing of a club, clearly different pros teach different methods and there is no law against teaching this one. In my travels, I have yet to see anyone on TV or at my club swing Moe Norman style at all, much less, with the success of Moe Norman. In any endeavor there always successful outliers. Moe was likely one of a kind.

I am from Canada and knew Moe personally. I have studied golf most of my adult life and have personally taught several individuals what I call a simple three part swing, to become good golfers. Moe may have been autistic. His entire demeanor suggested it to me. His huge strength as a golfer was, simply, to repeat time after time. I personally watched him hit ball after ball into a hoop from left to right, right to left and straight. That was Moe but there was nobody like him as a person or as a golfer. When I introduced Moe to my son (one of my students) on the driving range at a qualifier for the Canadian Open (my son was attempting to qualify as an amateur) he commented on his swing being like his. It was but only in principal, not in appearance. I would suggest that more golfers follow what Moe perfected than one could imagine yet few look the same. As a sidebar Moe's recognition came late in his life and I believe most of what is being said about him now, is a little late and somewhat exaggerated.

To really learn about Moe's swing go to the Graves Golf Academy Web sight. Todd studied the swing for ten years and Moe has said that he is the only person who understands the single plane swing of his. I use it now and have great results (last five years).

You know, 10 years is a long time. It took me about 7 months of hard work and experimentation to piece together the puzzle. Once you get it thanks to the research and study of *only* the best strikers ever you will understand that these swings are so similar, but just with a minor difference in grip, or height, or lie angle, :).
Todd Graves spent a lot of time with him but he obviously failed to understand Moe because he can't swing like him - duh.

He was tobogganing as a kid and his sled ran into a driveway and a car backed up, and a rear tire glanced off his head, causing--according to a neuroscientist's best guess--frontal lobe damage. HIs siblings said that he didn't go to the hospital. This was in the 30s before Canada had universal health care. I obtained this information in researching my book The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story. Thanks for your interest in Moe

its hard to read about Moe Norman and not be curious about his swing style. I watched several videos of him demonstrating and explaining his swing. I went to the range and tried it with little success. One thing was clear to me. It looks and feels anything but natural. He simply hammers at the ball. The truncated follow seems be an attempt not to swing. So how did he become such a phenomenal striker and why do so few golfers seem to use this swing if it is so powerful and accurate? My theory comes right from the Graves promo video bio on Norman. After his childhood accident--in a period of 5 years-- he withdrew from normal life and allegedly hit a million balls or more in that period. Just imagine that! So a kid recovering from significant injury strikes a million balls in a few years and perfects an unusual way to hit balls long and straight. Does that mean you could learn it in your next couple of buckets? I leave the answer to you. And while the PGA has its view on the best way to teach the swing of a club, clearly different pros teach different methods and there is no law against teaching this one. In my travels, I have yet to see anyone on TV or at my club swing Moe Norman style at all, much less, with the success of Moe Norman. In any endeavor there always successful outliers. Moe was likely one of a kind.

i'm 67, took up the game at 40, and have just about given it up twice. Even with good coordination duplicating at impact what you start with is very hard. I've just come to natural golf and i'm doing much better. I'm hitting it straight 150=170 which means bogey golf instead of doubles and triples with the complicated "conventional" swing. And why is it almost ALL pro golfers get back trouble? /Easy--the UNatural twisty swing that any chiropractor will tell you is MURDER on the lower back. There's A reason Tiger Woods once watched Moe Normal hit HUNDREDS of balls down the fairway and NONE farther than 10 feet apart from another. Maybe it's not for everyone. It IS for me. "square to square" beats a swing not one person in l0 can consistently master (and someone tell me if i'm wrong--TOUR PROS miss the fairway with the driver 23% of the time and i read the TOUR STATS to back it up. I want FUN and simplicity from golf. The reason as many people dump golf as take it up? An old fashione 1930's swing as i said not one person in l0 especially one over 60 years old can do. Respectfully, dj dan mcphail, burton mi

I'm looking into trying this swing out. I'm 56 and hit the ball pretty good but looking for an easier way to play. Did you have to change your grips and lie angle on your clubs for this swing? Thanks David Rowell

Wanted to know if this would be a good starting point since I don't have to unlearn any bad habits.
My husband and son love the game so I thought it might be nice to be able to do something together.
I am not athletic

In a word, yes. I have played since the age of14 and am now 61. I have taught both methods to friends and family. It is simple and effective.
I converted my own swing because I am not 30 anymore. I learned all I needed to know on you tube. If you can swing a bat, or drive a nail with a hammer, you already have the basic skills.
One thing both depend upon is keeping your eve on the ball through impact.

I actually am a golf coach and am certified to teach the Natural Golf swing. Actually it was Jack Kuykendall who started Natural Golf his story is amazing - I traced him to Phoenix Arizona and have studied his system and teach that now as it is a few steps on in the scientific approach to the golf swing from when Jack being a Physicist changed is swing years ago and was told his swing was like Moe Norman who he had not heard of. It took a year for Jack to meet up with Moe Norman. He brought him to Florida during the Canadian winters where Moe would hold clinics. Read all about Jack Kuykendall on www.kuykendallgolf.com you all should join his web for $60 for life and see what is good and bad scientifically golf swing. Happy swinging!

Now that Greg Lavern has released his book "Finish To The Sky" which chronicles the relationship and education he received under Moe is out, I think it is time to lay the myths about Moe Norman to rest. I will refrain from using names,but if you know the history of NG and the ridiculous theories that have sprung up since its start you will have the framework to draw upon.Lets start with a quote from the NG guru himself "Using correctly interpreted science, I had independently discovered the simple and accurate method which Moe had been using for the last forty years".....REALLY. A slasher, being serious, declaring that he had figured it out on his own. Ridiculous! Because I also drive a car, I should approach Michael Schumacher and explain to him what he is actually doing in the cockpit of his foumula one car. I am sure he would love to hear it.
Moe simply allowed NG to say whatever it wanted as long he kept getting paid, but I can assure you that he never revealed any useful information to anyone that ever worked for NG. You could count the people Moe trusted in the world on one hand, and certainly no one from that company would ever be trusted with his information.
Lets start with the Palm Grip. Until he was informed that the palm grip was part of the deal, Moe never one time in his life, held the grip in the palm of his right hand. When the crowds departed and the camera's weren't on him. he went back to the same overlap grip he used since he was 14. Why? Because the palm grip is inferior. it provides no benefit and actually hinders the proper hand action. Before you argue that it worked for you. I have played in tournaments with guys with one arm and others who played cross handed and could shoot par. Lots of grips variations work, but what is important is the grip Moe actually used when he played during his peak years. Basically the Vardon.

I am a sixty one year old male and just started playing for a few months.
I would love to improve my game, so I am seriously considering going to the Graves Golf Academy school.
What is your suggestion.
Regards
Premo

Interesting that without a lesson the author hit as well on the first bucket with the sps as he did with all his experience with whatever he was doing before. I don't understand how he could belittle something that works for thousands. What is the point?

For starters, shame on the author for having several facts wrong. I almost gave up golf due to inconsistency until I found the single plane swing. It works great for me. I don't care if it's 1, 2, or 9 planes...if it works why not use it. For all those who are afraid to try something different, just keep drinking the golf channel, golf magazine koolaid. You'll never get better and struggle forever. For me, it works. I think moe was a genius..actually probably Autistic. Sure, the pros don't use single plane. But who has the luxury of practicing hours every day. I think this I the best option for most weekend hackers. Again, if it works, why not use it,,,,,,

It works!!!. Simple relaxed setup with properly fitted clubs and just turn back with straight left arm, right folding nicely, close in and let natural hinging of wrist happen and turn back on posture and make beautiful impact time after time. More didn't create Natural Golf Co. He stepped for it to make some cash. He wasn't autistic nor an idiot savant. He suffered brain damaged and personality changes that set him apart. But his friends loved him and he added to this fine game immensely. God Bless him and you can learn from his technique by simply watching and reasoning the simple mechanics. Also be a more patient putter than him, LOL, and you'll love the results. Was a 36 handicapper now a 9 and more distance and accuracy. Love this game and may we have more characters like More.

I spent a year obsessing on golf swings and took many lessons and studied all the establishment methods. My driver, irons, and wedges sprayed everywhere.
Then I stumbled across a strange character named Moe Norman. Just about every old school golfer and even the younger ones like Tiger Woods state clearly that Moe Norman was the greatest ball striker to every play the game. The bottom line is that Moe understood how to hit the ball STRAIGHT. Although he could he could smack a ball plenty far enough -- he didn't put emphasis on distance. Golf is about how accurate your are -- PERIOD. You can essentially say that Moe Norman was the best golfer to ever play the game.
I studied Moe's philosophy along with other golfer instructors that Moe believed in like Manuel de la Torre and Ernest Jones. The method is like magic. My shots are now on a totally different level. I'm good now. And it only took a few weeks of practicing every day. I can hit the green from 120 yards consistently. I can hit approach shots from 150 yards. I can hit approach shots from 200 yards. Now that I can make a ball go straight -- it changes EVERYTHING about the game. Moe got it -- he understood it. He wasn't goofing around when it came to the truth about how to swing a club. His method simplifies everything. Even if I now look a little goofy when I set up to a ball -- I kick everyone's butt I play with.
The most important points of Moe Norman's method are these:
1) Grip palms -- not your fingers -- and hold tight. Tighten your wrists so they are stable which maintains consistent clubface strike.
2) Straight left arm through the club at setup.
3) Think of the Saturn ring when you back swing. Simply imagine the nice Saturn ring plane around your body.
4) DON'T back swing very far at all. It does not matter.
5) NEVER worry about the ball during your swing. During the SWING, 100 percent of your thoughts should simply be focused on producing a nice, sound swing (as described above). Never worry about the ball. Over time, the ball will go very straight IF YOUR SWING IS CLEAN AND MOE-LIKE.
6) Imagine all of your swing energy flowing down the fairway. Your body will automatically find it's proper alignment if you are truly focused on moving the swing energy down toward you target.
7) Never swing hard. Just don't do it. Swing like a graceful gazelle. Every time. Easy little back swing and then start your front swing easy and simply accelerate. That's it.

Love it...Most of us are not Born Geniuos ball strikers. Moe, thru Autism, Brain injury, or Otherwise, had a Gift, He figgered it out. I first heard of him back in the early '90s. Finally am learning his swing, finally beating my Brothers. They just think I've gotten Better, but their money still spends the same...LOL!!!

i really like your comments about Mo's swing.I read a little about this swing a year ago just a quick glance at the swing went out to the golf course and gave it a try i must admit it felt very strange. but i can tell you my back and shoulders felt the benefit and i dropped a few on my handicap. i really really believe this swing should have been regognised by the golfing world.

This is the type of article that happens when someone who knows nothing about something gives an opinion on the same.
The palm grip is far easier to master. I started to use this method in 1996 and hit more fairways and greens than pros as an occasional golfer. I tried the "classic" swing for years and it's a nightmare.
It's basic physics and it works. At 53, I still hit the ball farther and straighter than I ever did before getting my hands out of that stupid finger grip. And I hit over a million balls with the "classic" swing.
My back and my scores thank Moe Norman from nearby Kitchener Canada.

Agreed! That stupid 'finger grip'... Why is it that conventional wisdom is seems to be constantly wrong in life. Just about every teacher seems to push all the wrong garbage onto new golfers and the result is that everyone plays HORRIBLE golf.. Moe understood this. He constantly critisized the millions of instructors out there that are full of sh!t.. Moe was right. And he proved it every day he put on a clinic demo. The PGA teachers are so out of control with their absurd plethora of nightmare techniques and a million different conflicting lessons.. It's really quite funny. Just listen to Moe and you can throw the establishment trash away..

Ive been using the single plane swing on and off now for about 15 years. My back got so bad that I couldn't play another round for a week. It isn't a magic swing. You can not go back and forth. I finally settled with Graves Golf which puts the left hand more in the fingers and got back my distance plus some. I'm 64 and play in a league. 14 handicap. I came in second for points this year out of 60 people. I'm pretty consistent but did shoot a couple of great scores and a couple of bad scores. The main thing is that I know that I can put in the fair way when I have to... Under pressure. I don't recommend this to a low handicapper unless their game has totall y gone to crap or have back problems and they are thinking of just giving up. When I have trouble I find that the conventional swing has worked itself back in from me reading all of those golf magazines. I still tinker once in a while and find a few things for improvement but when I stray too far I get my DVDs out and go back to the basics.

The Natural Golf swing method saved my game. I too suffer from low back pain that was aggravated by the constant twisting of the conventional golf swing. I adopted natural golf in 2001 and have not looked back since. Having been as low as a 6 handicap I saw my number rise to 14 due mostly to back pain. I was ready to quit golf until a friend showed me the natural golf method. Since switching my handicap has fallen to 7 and I play every round free of back pain. When I play golf with my local pro, he takes side bets on how many fairways I will hit off the tee. I usually hit 12 out of 14 and at about 220 to 240 yards. By the way, I am 64 years old and I am playing some of the best golf of my life. Natural golf works and don't believe the naysayers.

I can't believe the writer has any background in golf since his comments are appropriate coming from a non-golfer. He can't be objective because he doesn't have a solid foundation of golf knowledge on which to base decisions about Natural Golf. Tim, it's like you wrote this ridiculous piece to show you don't know what you're talking about, and yet, seem to be proud of it.

I tried it for 3 years. Took me most of 4 years to fully recover from the tendencies I developed. I worked at it hard and never achieved significant improvement. I was a 12 hdcp when I quit natural golf and I'm a 6 now. (See Wayne DeFrancesco's analysis of Moe Norman's swing, look at what they teach in the natural golf swing and you'll see why the teaching is faulty).

I think many of you have missed the point Moe Norman was the best ball striker that ever live. Even the top pros said that. I have played golf now for 35 years. In that time I have spent a lot of money on lessons. I now teach golf at my local golf club and I see many people who still have problems with golf due to lack of good teaching. I have adopted the single plane golf swing and I have found it much easier to hit the ball well. So people dont knock it until you have tried it and I mean really tried it. Like someone said in a post on here get your heads out of the sand. Here is a little fact for you, the average handicap has been 17 for the last 40 years why equipment has improved so much. My view is bad teaching, there are always more ways to do things in life so give it a try......

You made some very good points. If more PGA teaching pros weren't afraid to break tradition, open their eyes and teach what the greatest ball striker of all times did, that 40 year average would be a whole lot lower!
Jack Kuykendall Started the company called Natural Golf. He had previously owned a company called Right Way Golf.
I give jack all the credit to bringing the name Moe Norman to the forefront. He rebuilt his own clubs and studied the physics of the golf swing after failing to improve with his conventional golf swing. He was 42 at the time and retired early as a physicist, a scientist.He had a 12 handicap. After 2 years of taking lessons from some of the best, and buying the latest clubs, he went from a 12 handicap to a 14! So now the scientist in him began his new passion to find out what is wrong with the conventional swing and the way it's taught.
What he came up with was a new way to stand to the ball, a palm grip and less physical motion. At the time, he himself never heard of moe Norman! Yet he broke par on his home course after the changes. He was explaining his changes to a Canadian golf pro, when the pro said, "you don't have anything new. Moe Norman has been swinging that way his whole life." Jack responded with, " who's Moe Norman?"
In science we hear the term "blind study" So if 2 scientist come up with the same results, it's not coincidence, it's considered a FACT! So Jack's invention, or what he thought was his invention was invented, if you will, by a non-scientist named Moe Norman.
Soon after he met Moe and signed him to do clinics for his company, Natural Golf. Jack was also very instrumental in getting Titleist to pay him $5,000 a month for life for his use of their balls and wearing their visor. He was never paid a dime until then.
So let's give credit where credit's do!
Jack Kuykendall is truly the father of the now widely misused term "natural golf" . Go to Jack's website and get the facts straight.
I've known Jack since 1991 when I owned a golf shop in Naples Fl. where I built and fitted golf clubs and gave lessons. Through my association with Jack, I got to meet Moe Norman and even participated in several clinics with him and Jack... Including one in Fort Myers, Florida where I live.
Go to Youtube and see countless videos on Moe's swing as well as some great stuff from Jack Kuykendall and his new venture based on what was robbed from him by his investors.
Thanks Jack and Moe!

Tim if you wrote the article in 2005 then you need to re-interview Hank Haney, especially in light of his article in Golf Digest, Aril, 2012, p.114 - where he talks about introducing it to Tiger after the Masters in 2004.

I have played golf since I was a child and have played competitively as a junior golfer, through my college years. Through constant instruction, practice and play, nearly everyday, I developed a sound swing and golf game. As I grew older and had less time to devote to the game, I struggled, despite all the knowledge I had learned from my earlier days. Now, some twenty years later, I have as solid a swing and game as I ever had, by adopting the Natural Golf Swing.
Though I have less time to practice and play (I am lucky to play two rounds a month), I consistently hit the ball solidly, with both distance and accuracy--far better than even when I was younger.
Natural Golf is just plain that--Natural...no complicated concepts to understand, no gimmicks involved, no breakdown and analysis of every movement of the golf swing...but rather a more natural approach to achieving the correct positioning at the moment of impact.
I am only 5'8" at 165 lbs, but I am knocking my drives 275 with a power fade, high flying with a very reliable slight left to right ball flight. My iron play is crisp with consistent distances and a tight ball disbursement. Most of all, I am able to think less about my swing and more about hole strategy and course management, by swinging the Natural Golf way.
If anyone gives you a funny look, just watch their reaction to your shots and game once you are able to fully adopt the Natural Golf concepts.
This has been such a success to me that I wanted to offer my whole hearted support and testimonial to the Natural Golf instruction and program. I have also found its methods easy to teach my kids, ages six and two, with amazing results. Kids pick up on things that are 'natural' and the golf swing can be one of the most unnatural movements in all of sports...but they 'get it' via the Natural Golf way.
Don't just try it...but rather, work to understand why its concepts are truly valid...then work to ingrain these into your new natural swing. I have no doubt that you will discover a new, simpler and more consistent swing than you have ever had--and enjoy the game much, much more!
Natural Golf? It does Work!

Well written and right on point. There is nothing that compares to Moe not even close. The skills I have now are nothing short of remarkable compared to the thousands I have spent in the past for instruction with not lasting quantifable benifit. The scoffers are many but they are the ones who lose. Moe is a gift to the golfing world and I am thankful that I am one of the ones who know and believe.
Ron

I've found the Natural Golf method to be a superior way to swing. After playing on school golf teams and breaking par 30 years earlier, I never have hit the ball so solidly and consistently, with very little practice, until discovering this method. The conventional method was just too hard to maintain with limited practice and I felt there had to be a better way. Natural Golf and the Todd Graves approach is it.

It seems to me the golfers who had issues with Natural Golf are just set in their ways and find it difficult to change what they are used to- albeit a good or not so good swing.
I played for almost 20yrs and shot in the mid 90's, once in a while an exceptional game low 90's. After finding NG and giving it time- bout a season and working in the off season.
The next season I started breakin 90! then shooting in MID to LOW 80's! and toward the end of the season I had a Great (& Lucky)round and shot a straight up 79!!!! I still find it hard to believe! Natural Golf GAVE the tools to have real golf ability!
For many reasons I have not been golfing regularly for some years now (only 2 times this yr- first a scramble). The secound game I had only 4 blowout holes and shot a 98, that's with two 9's and two 7's (no 6's). I still felt good about the majority of my strikes and it was fun!
Now if I had time and work on my NATURAL game I have no doubt I would be back in the 80's in no time...

I'm from Canada.I have played with Moe.Yes he was different.Too make ageneral statement just to trying to be funny.Give us Natural golfers a break.Check out his Videos.I think if you would get your head out of the bunker,you would be amazed at what Moe could do with a golf ball.Those that love golf have seen his magic.
gerry

>tim
you have no clue what you are saying about moe norman!!!!
you sound like obama!! you must be a democrat for sure!!!
Unless this was supposed to be sarcastic, this is one of the most worthless coments I've ever seen. Do you really think that someone's political beliefs would drive their thoughts on a golf methodology?

I've been playing natural golf now for 9year iused to be a 14 hanicap playing 3 to 4 times aweek, now i'm busier now with my kids and play maybe 4 times amonth the simplified swing method of natural golf has still lowered my handicap down to a steady 6 i love the consistancy of my swing, and less pain in my knees.

Just to get it straight, Jack Kuykendall did start Natural Golf after he closed Right Way Golf. Go to his website and learn about Jack Kuykendalls story at www.kuykendallgolf.com. He has always been upset at Natural Golf because he felt the investors took his company from him. He presently has invented other alternative swings.

I switched just over a year ago, mainly because I was incredibly inconsistent and about ready to quit. It took about 2 months of practice, but the light finally came on. I had never broken 90 without a mulligan or 2. In the next 6 months, I never shot higher than a 90, had several rounds in the low 80's and even shot an official 79. Then, the wheels came off the cart, probably because I got a little cocky and lazy. The book "The Plane Truth For Golfers" by Jim Hardy brought me back. His single plane stance is slightly different than NG, but his swing description of really, really good. I'm a big believer in the single plane swing.

This article seemed to written by someone who spent little or no time researching it or its impact on the average player. I had been hacking around for 15 years and could never get below a 15HC. I am big and strong and tend to be all over the course. Back injury and resulting surgery forced me to not play for 5 years. Started playing using the Natural Golf method 4 months ago. Have already dropped down to a 13HC - go figure.

As has been pointed out many times by many people in the 5 plus years since McDonald's tripe was posted, the stupid is strong in this one. But possibly the dumbest thing, to me, is how he refers to Moe Norman in the present tense, when, in fact Mr. Norman had been dead for nearly a full year when this was posted. How on earth can we trust McDonald's other pontifications on golf vacation hotspots when he can't even do simple elementary school research?

Tim,
It's obvious that you spend more time watching Golf Vacation spots then you do the tour. Did you just take up being a contributor in 2005? When you surveyed golfers about Moe, did you go down to the local "hack-pasture"?
When Moe Norman passed away a few years ago even Tiger Woods commented, "Only two golfers owned their swing, Moe Norman and Ben Hogan." Even Lee Trevino said Moe was the best ball striker he had ever seen.
Come on, do your home work! Even an hour on the internet would of given you more info.
Now get off vacation and do some homework and you won't look so much like an ass next time.

I just returned from taking a Natural Golf lesson in Sarasota. I played last thursday and really struggled, often the case. One of the questions the instructor, Len Martin, asked was what club would I hit over 150 yards of water. I would use my 5 iron which would give me the distance if I hit it well. Maybe 60% would be safe. Today I was hitting my 7 150 and maybe would not have cleared the water with 1 shot of 30 with one brief lesson! For me, a high handicap, it was a great lesson and will bring fun back into the game. Len Martin could probably teach any method, but Natural Golf was the easiest for me to see instant change!

I have played golf for about 16 years and hold a 12 HC. I plan on taking lessons at natural golf soon. I have heard only good things about Moe and the single axes golf swing however, all the years of playing I never came across a golfer using his method on the golf course.

For many years, conventional golf was the norm in our small, rather staid community. But within the past 6 months, I've converted to natural golf - and have been able to convince a good number of others as well. To a person, we've improved our all-over tans, and now wouldn't think of playing while clothed ever again.

Hi
First off Moe did not invent NATURAL GOLF.
Natural Golf is a company that promotes a swing which is loosely based on Moe and is interested in selling equipment and lessons . Nothing wrong with that.
Having said that I am a 4 hcp and have studied all the known teachers and I believe Moes method is the easiest and most effective way to learn. Also easy on the back.
regards
Gordon

I've spent all winter trying to find a golf swing that works for me. I started playing golf about 2 years ago and tried to learn the traditional method. After spending big bucks on golf lessons it was either find a new hobby, or a golf swing that would work for me. I then tried the stack and tilt, which was a step in the right direction, but still didn't give me consistent results. Finally, as spring was approaching I discovered the natural golf swing. Wow! This swing is so simple and repeatable.
Couple tips that I would give someone trying the swing for the first time. shorten your back swing and remember that you don't need to rotate your body nearly as far as you would for traditional swing. This is a really simple golf swing, so keep it that way. And yes golf snobs, I cant hit a golf ball 300 yards, but I can hit a ball 230 in the air straight down the middle every time.
This is a great swing for a high handicaper who doesn't want to spend big money on golf lessons.

At least your website is appropriately named - you're no doubt a bad golfer and you defninitely suck. You show a photo of Todd Graves (Little Moe) with your Natural Golf comments. If you ever saw Todd Graves hit golf balls you would be a believer (although Todd is no longer associated with Natural Golf but teaches a very similar single axis swing).

i play off 3 handicap in the Uk. I hit a decent ball but was still feed up of not hitting the ball as consistantly as i would like..then one day a couple of months ago i stumbled across some footage of moe norman on youtube and ended up watching probably every single piece off footage i could find on this almost mythical character.. well to cut a long story short i tried the swing (or what i conceive as the swing) and to tell you the truth i am amazed how much my ball striking as improved.. i recently went to my local pro to be tested on his swing computer and my drives with the natural swing were pitching consistantly at 260 and rolling out to around 280-285 (and straight).. i certainly wont go back to my old swing and i suggest that the guy who wrote this article is maybe not a very talented golfer of is afraid of change..

Being on the verge of golfing depression, with my handicap quickly turning from 4 to 7, I scoured the web for advice. I needed something to eradicate a horrendous back swing with the hands rolling well to the inside, and basically uncontrollable. Anything from a massive push, low pull, and lots of shanks. I stumbled across a video of Moe Norman on youtube and thought it was a joke. The stats touted were impressive, but the swing was pig ugly. Still, I didn't care and went for it on the practice ground. Two other fairly low handicappers were also on the practice ground and they laughed at me when I tried to explain what I was about to attempt. Looked as if I had something stuffed up my rear end. Anyway, the first three or four shots went straight left, but with an amazing trajectory. Tried to then go more down the line on the follow through, using Moe's 22 inch rule and it was amazing. I have never hit such a consistently straight ball. I practised this with an 8 and 6 iron hitting about 100 balls. All went fairly straight. Not a shank in sight. Decided to go for it and head for the course. First tee shot with the dreaded big stick went about 280 straight down the middle. the rest of the holes played were pretty similar. There were about 3 shots which could have been better, and one shank. Yes, a shank, but I knew exactly why I hit it. I could actually feel where my swing had gone. It was rolled way inside on the back swing, and there was only one part of the club that was going to contact the ball from there. Anyway, a few more practice rounds and I now feel confident enough to take this to a comp. There have been a few scruffy shots, but, the majority have been very straight. The technique also works really well on the short shots. Keeping the blade moving square towards the target for the 22 inches works wonders around the green. My biggest worry is how many people will laugh at me, just hope the score will provide an answer.

Darren,
I have read your comments with interest and agree with what you say.
Where can one get more information in the UK?
There is a need for Natural Golf in the UK as well as for the equipment. Sadly the company in the USofA do not seem to be interested in promoting the Natural Golf method outside of America.
When I lived in St Andrews [ fourteen years] it was easy to pratice and use this method and it does work. Now ,sadly, back in Yorkshire time to play is limited but would be interested to hear from you and from anyone else who uses this mathod in the UK.
Regards,
Stuart

Natural Golf was invented by Jack Kuirkendal (sp?) who, after learning about Moe Norman was amazed at the similarities in method and enlisted Moe to promote his method. Moe, as far as I know, never called his swing Natural Golf. That's my contribution. Thanks

Invented is the wrong word. You are half correct. Jack Kuykendall Started the company called Natural Golf. Yes... He had previously owned a company called Right Way Golf.
I give jack all the credit to bringing the name Moe Norman to the forefront. He rebuilt his own clubs and studied the physics of the golf swing after failing to improve with his conventional golf swing. He was 42 at the time and retired early as a physicist, a scientist. What he came up with was a new way to stand to the ball, a palm grip and less physical motion. At the time, he himself never heard of moe Norman! Yey he broke par on his home course after the changes. He was explaining his changes to a Canadian golf pro, when the pro said, "you don't have anything new. Moe Norman has been swinging that way his whole life." Jack responded with, " who's Moe Norman?"
In science we hear the term "blind study" So if 2 scientist come up with the same results, it's not coincidence, it's considered a FACT! So Jack's invention, or what he thought was his invention was invented, if you will, by a non-scientist named Moe Norman.
Soon after he met Moe and signed him to do clinics for his company, Natural Golf. Jack was also very instrumental in getting Titleist to pay him $5,000 a month for life for his use of their balls and wearing their visor. He was never paid a dime until then.
So let's give credit where credit's do!
Jack Kuykendall is truly the father of the now widely misused term "natural golf" . Go to Jack's website and get the facts straight.
I've known Jack since 1991 when I owned a golf shop in Naples Fl. where I built and fitted golf clubs and gave lessons. Through my association with Jack, I got to meet Moe Norman and even participated in several clinics with him and Jack... Including one in Fort Myers, Florida where I live.
Go to Youtube and see countless videos on Moe's swing as well as some great stuff from Jack Kuykendall and his new venture based on what was robbed from him by his investors.

Jack Kuikendal did not INVENT Natural Golf. I met Jack at the PGA Show in Orlando, FL in the early 80's and he called it,"Right Way Golf." Jack left the program and it was subsequently purchased by another group and Natural Golf evolved from this group.

Jack Kuykendall did start Right Way Golf, then did, yes did, start Natural Golf. Later Jack found some investors for Natural Golf, who later took it over and basically kicked Jack out. Go to Kuykendallgolf.com for Jack's latest golf inventions and information.

I've switched to natural golf. I got tired of not being able to control my slice. I've taken lessons but in the end nothing worked. For whatever reason, the combination of grip, stance, and club swing alignment allows me to hit the ball squarely. Before NG I would hit 1 out of every 3 balls toward the tarket, now I'm 8-10. My handicap has gone from 18 down to 12.

After a serious back injury a few years ago I could no longer use the "traditional" swing. I took lessons from a NG instructor and am now down to a 13 handicap. I have had 2 holes in one and hit most fairways. This year my goal is to get to a 10 HC and I should hit that by Fall. (I was an 8 HC before my injury.) I found the transition to be easy but you do have to commit to the change completely. I can out drive my playing partners (10 handicappers) and still get a few chuckles when people come up to me on the driving range and tell me my swing is all wrong.
It worked for me. Life without golf would have been tough. Putting is still an issue.

I was playing a round yesterday evening when my playing partner showed me this grip. I immediately hit the straightest drive! I played the rest of the round with this swing. On a 500yd par five my drive was 275 - same as with the traditional golf swing. A 3 wood put me perfectly on the green. I am sold and will be playing with this swing from now on. There is more than one way to do things - just looks the pros - even their swings differ from player to player.

Tim is an "idiot". Moe Norman has passed away so it would be hard for him to maintain a website. I find it hard to believe that most golf instructors have never heard of Natural golf when I have heard everyone from Gary Player to Tiger Woods talk about Moe's ball striking. Do a little research next time Tim before you dismiss a technique that you know absolutely nothing about because you hit a few balls on the driving range and it didnt immediately "transform" your "game".

So Tim hits one bucket of balls with the natural golf technique without an instructor or equipment change and doesn't see any difference?! Anyone who would expect an improvement must have very little experience playing any sport. As with any swing change, NG takes time to learn, and you will definitely get worse before you get better.
The same is true with making a technical change in other sports. I played tennis in high school, college and as an adult amateur. Whenever I've made adjustments in my tennis grip or swing I'd have to accept getting worse for a while. But the goal is to find a better technique that will help you reach a higher level. Tiger Woods went through a swing change a few years ago and had the same result.
There's not much equipment needed for NG but larger grips are critical. You can't use the NG technique without larger grips. Conventional grips are much thinner and designed to be held in the fingers. NG grips are thick (3 inches in circumference), and are designed to be held in middle of the hands, in a similar manner to a baseball bat.
The NG swing is also simpler than the conventional one. It requires fewer moving body parts and less rotation of the hips. It also is more forgiving in timing as the proper NG swing keeps the club head square throughout the impact zone for a longer period of time than the conventional swing.
I got my handicap down to an 8 with a conventional swing but couldn't get it lower. About 5 years ago I switched to NG and have lowered my handicap to a 4. This wasn't easy. I took about a dozen lessons, purchased several videos, went to the range 2-3 times per week and played once a week. I also videotaped myself frequently to see if I was following the proper technique. Frequently, my videos would show some flaw in my swing that I had not realized. I don't think there's any substitute for taking lessons or videos of your swing because your mind cannot visualize everything you are doing in your swing.
I've frequently recommended the NG technique to people I've met on the range or the course. But I've also cautioned that while the technique is simpler and better for playing consistent golf, it's certainly doesn't make golf easy. There's no way to swing a club head 100 mph at a ball that less than 2" and hit it strait 250 yards every time, even with NG! For more on my ideas about Natural Golf, you can check out my website at www.SwitchtoNaturalGolf.com.

I forgot to mention in my previous post, I've had many discussions with visitors to my website http://switchtonaturalgolf.com about implementing the Natural Golf technique. You can read some of the questions and answers in the "Ask Marty" section of the website.

Seems odd Tim McDonald is a golf writer and does not know Moe Norman and the history behind him. Considering Titelist paid him something like $5,000 a month in the twilight of his years just because they cared about an important figure in golf.
To comment on something in a hap-hazrd manner without going to the natural golf people and research it properly does not do justice to the sports writers of North America. Actually their web site has numerous free videos showing the set up, drills, etc. all free of charge. No hard sell there.
If one does a story it is best to do a good story---Moe carries many golf records and many golf pros past and present still say he was the best golf striker ever.
Anyone that studies and enjoys the history of golf has enjoyed the history of Moe, a man who simply wanted to play golf. And was better than most.

After trying a couple different times to take some lessons from some "pros," I found that I was getting worse instead of better.. It's difficult trying to remember what seemed like the 20+ different things I'd been taught.
I saw an ad for Natural Golf and mentioned it to a dear friend that had been playing golf longer than I'd been alive. He remembered Moe Norman and his amazing ball striking and suggested I try it.
I'm SO THANKFUL I did. Within weeks I had improved by at least 5-10 strokes and it felt 'so natural.' As an athlete it was the best and easiest way to learn golf and have immediate results. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling or just picking up this game!!
Brenda

My experience with Natural Golf was not a good one. During the class the instructor announced that he was going to quit teaching in favor of growing grass on golf courses. (immediately!)
Despite much practice, the inevitable occured. When changing your grip, stance, equipment, and swing, all at the same time, the wheels will inevitably come off.
I called to request the promised retake of the class, only to be ignored.
Not even a return phone call or email.
A lousy company to do business with!

I had been a 7-9 handicap from age 35 to 62. As my age was increasing so was my index. At 65,I decided to try natural golf(NG). Being a mechanical engineer, the concept made sense to me.Unfortunately,I only incorporated those aspects of NG that made sense to me.After two years with no improvement,I decided to fully commit.The results were amazing.My index has dropped from 10.8 to its present level of 4.1.Over those two years I had only broken 80 once.Nineteen of my last 20 rounds have been between 73 and 79.The key factor was placing the club 12 to 15 inches behind the ball at address.I lost some distance at first but it later returned.If I hadn't turned to NG I probably would have given up the game.Stay with it;NG really works. Art Dunford

That is good to hear. I have been a reasonable golfer, but am now interesting in the Moe Norman swing as I have lower back problems with the traditional swing. The only problem I have is that I will have to attend a golf school in the US, as no one teaches the method here in the UK!
Wendy

I started NG in 1997 after reading an article in Golf Digest about Moe Norman. The author seems to be very misinformed about both Moe and the Natural Golf. The book entitled "The Feeling of Greatest" has an intro by Lee Trevino who says Moe was the greatest ball striker he ever saw. Ken Venturi nicknamed him "Pipeline Moe" for the straightest of his shots. He was recognized by and played golf with top stars from Sam Snead to Tiger. All marveled at his shots, even as an old man. Why wasn't he a star on tour? Read the book. Because your sources never heard of him is just validation that your article is not well researched. Rick Smith wrote a magazine article about "alternative golf swing" and after playing that way, he concluded that it was easier and absolutely the way for a weekend golfer to play but it should not be taught to kids that wanted to pursue an advanced degree of competitive golf. He said golf has evloved into a power game and the swing lacked distance. An average golfer doesn't need distance to score. I am age 59 and always score between 78 and 84 on difficult courses. I never hit the ball more than 240 off the tee. Usually about 220. It's about limiting penaltyies and non-playable shots. Whan I switched to NG it wasn't because I played bad, I was a 9 handicap. It was that to maintain that level of play, I had to practice all the time. Not anymore, I play 2-3 times a week and don't worry about my swing. When I try to get others to play NG they combine half of it with half conventional swing and that won't work. So when you hear detractors talk about NG, they probably aren't even doing it.

Bill, I totally agree with your message. I tried to incorporate only those aspects of Natural Golf that made sense to me for two years with little or no improvement.Once I committed to the whole package,the results were amazing.Don't worry if you lose some distance at first;it will return.The consistency is unbelievable. Art Dunford

I'm not sure if this piece of "analysis" is meant as a provocation, a joke or whether it's just plain bad journalism.
As a journalist myself (not in English) I faced the same question as the author of this piece; Will it work?
On my golf publications expence I took roughly six lessons from a certified pro. I was an 18 hdcp with a tendency to slice. Within three years I was down to 12. I've never looked back and I do now -at 55 - hit the ball miles further than I ever did. Carry from 180 - 230. Which I never thought would be possible. It is no easy fix although it requires less practice to maintain a standard. I have played less the last two years due to work responsibility, but I maintain my handicap with ease, in fact I'm only a good round or two away from being a single handicapper.
It is really simple. By taking the rotation practically out of the swing chances increase by a factor of a hundred that the clubhead hits the ball square, What I experience is that the moment of truth - when the clubhead is square - increases from a spilt second to plenty of time om each side of the ball. What I claim is that my best shots are not that much better than what they used to be (which is a lie since I now hit the ball 50 yards further), but my worst shots are definately in a different league. If you miss 160 yards in the middle of the fairway, that's not so bad. Heck, that's what my good shots used to be like.

Have others found that they lose distance when using the Natural Golf swing method? Seems like I've lost yardage, granted it is 40 degrees and it was my first time on the range with the new method. My 7 iron for example normally goes 150 yards, now it's 140 or so... but not sure if this is due to me getting the hang of the new method.
Aside from that, I was very pleased with the results with the Natural Golf swing! I hit most of my shots straight with a very nice ball flight. It seems to require a lot less thought and is much easier as so many less moving parts. Can't wait to go play a round and see if it translates to a lower score. I usually shoot in the 90's. I feel confident it will, and that was after one day of watching the video and one day on the range! If you've played golf before, it is fairly easy to pick up the new technique in my opinion.

Jeff,
Give it time, once you get more time and practice in with the swing, your distance will increase. I have been playing the NG swing for about 4 years now and I am pounding the crap out of the ball and I have eliminated the banana ball. Once you feel more confident with your swing you will be able put a little more umph into it.
Temperature does have something to do with it also. When it warms up you'll be happy.:)

I've been playing Natural Golf for a few years now. I keep getting better each year. The distance does come back. I live in the soutwest suburbs of Chicago. The reason for my success is the Natural Golf Instructor I go to. Dave Woods is incredible and I pay him for lessons this is not a commercial for him. Last year I shot my lowest round ever on the course that I grew up on. I used to average in the mid 90s on the course I now average in the mid 80s and last November shot a 77. Natural Golf works and that's the truth from a former slicer!

As a 55 year old golfer who never broke 100 without his share of foot faults and mulligans, I can tell you that NG has dramatically improved my game. Straighter shots, in the fairways, no less, gave me a chance to improve my game where it really counts - from 100 yards in.
My game, WITHOUT CHEATING of any kind, and witnessed by friends and family improved this season from 105 average to my "career best" of 88.
Now I really believe I can break 80! All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to improve your game.
NG works, and I'll be playing the NG way for the rest of my life!

hello. I started natural golf 1 and 1/2 years ago because my game sucked and I was tired of losing always to my friends. I bought the videos and practiced on my own the first year. I did well on the range but could not put it together on the course. I went to a natural golf demo clinic where I recieved a lesson from a certified instructor basically for free. It made a huge difference and I began to understand the swing. It is simple but quite different from a conventional golf swing. You have to understand a conventional swing also to perform well using that swing but the natural golf swing is easier to understand with less chance for error. Since I have taken my game from 110 to 115 down to 90 to 95 range for 18 holes consistently in one year with three rounds in the 80's and my low round being a 86! Mind you I had never broke 1oo before using this method! You have to stick with it like anything else

First let me say that I believe that everyone has a right to an opinion, however, I also believe if one is going write an article as Tim McDonald did, it should be an informed opinion. I don't believe by watching a commercial and trying to figure out the Natural Golf swing, Tim McDonald is qualified to make an informed opinion about Natural Golf. While he was attempting to perform a Natural Golf swing, he was probably performing a hybrid of a conventional and Natural Golf swing. The results were not good which is what is to be expected. I have been a Natural Golfer for over 6 years, so I feel I can make a comment on swing system. Natural Golf is a swing system and it works. I played conventional golf for over 15 years with mostly bad results. I took a couple of conventional golf lessons, but the instruction was confusing and actually made things worse. I woudn't consider myself one of Natural Golf extreme success stories. My handicap hovers around 16-17 with an occassional round in the low 80's which isn't bad for a guy who plays 2-3 rounds a months. I'm not where I want to be golf wise, but I am a far cry away from the super hacker I used to be. For me Natural Golf saved my golf life.

This summer I worked intensely on my swing and "discovered" a few things that really helped. Then I read a description of Natural Golf and found that my "new swing" had several of the key elements of NG. First, I extend my right foot backward about 4"-5", open my right foot a little, then assume a strong "K" stance. This braces my body better and greatly helps in keeping my righ leg from breaking down (a perinneal problem of mine). Second, I started keeping my arms quiet, low, and close to my body, barely going past horizontal at the top. (The amount of wrist-cock at the top doesn't seem to matter much.) As I understand the NG swing (I've seen the "clay" model illustration) this is close to NG.
I've tried modifying my grip like one of the earlier respondants described by making my left hand a little weaker and right stronger. This seems to neither hurt nor help. After I saw the NG description, I tried the straight-left-arm-and-shaft set-up, and while a little straightening seemed fine, too much did not work well for me.
I do feel that if you're an experienced golfer you can easily adopt to the NG swing. It is certainly worth a try, although you might just try to put its key elements into a more conventional swing.

A buddy and I took up NG about 5 years ago. We have watched the tapes, taken lessons and bought the clubs. This has made a frustrating game very enjoyable. Yes both of our scores have gone done considerably. Mine a little more because I actually take the time to practice. I used to have trouble with my back now I can consistantly play 2 rounds per day and as many as 12 rounds in a week on a golfing vacation. I would be happy to answer any of your questions, but don't think you will get better without practice.

I was Moe's partner in a Pro/Pro event back in 1988 and it was one of the highlights of my golf career. Moe, by most people's standards was a strange guy. How could this individual produce the kind of golf shots that make tour pros stop what their doing and watch in amazment? His grip,stance,and set-up was unconventional, yet produced the contact,flight,and control that we dream about. I have been playing golf for 30 years and had been a club/teaching professional for 16 years. What I took from Moe's swing was his wide stance. Each spring I would start with my feet wide and it stablized me and allowed me to establish solid contact(I had tendencies to slide during the downswing).I would gradually begin to narrow my stance back to "normal" as things improved.I have had many wonderful rounds of golf but have had to work hard at tring to maintain what I had.Fast forward to 2006. I dedided to give the single-axis moe swing a try, and I'm glad I did. I have never hit the ball better!! At first, I used a pitching wedge to ease myself into the modifications that were expected. It didn't take long to find the movements and to get the results. I kept my overlap grip and modified it by weakening my left hand(thumb on top of grip) and strengthening my right hand(V to right shoulder. I also began to reach out to the ball to form the straight lines need to create the proper axis. After a couple of weeks I was begining to sole the club further away from the ball, I had a fear that I would be hitting a lot of fat/thin shots and I did for a little while but things smoothed themselves out and I currently sole all clubs about 4"-6"for the best results.I will try the palm grip this spring when I purchase the right grips. This type of swing might not be for everyone, but for those of you who have struggled, give it a try.One thing that has made the biggist difference since adopting this approach is I don't think of mechanics at all. I should mention that my earliest memories of me learning to swing 30 years ago had me with a wide stance, strong ten finger baseball grip,and arms stretched out to the ball,funny how what seemed so natural back then has taken so long to find itself back home.

I am a natural golfer and it really works for me. I have been trying natural golf for 6 years, but only playing seriously the last 2 years. I shoot in the upper 70s or low 80s, I am a 9 handicapper now, and I hope to one day shoot par or better on 18 holes. I have shot par or better on 9 holes since I made the switch to NG.
I watched a show on the golf channel about it and I bought the video. I had played conventional for about 19 years prior to the videos with mixed results. The more I got to play the better I played. But when I didn't get to play it took me forever to find the rhythm again. When I was on I shot in the 80s and when I was off I shot in the 90s or even 100s.
The first couple of years of NG it was more of an interest and it never much went past the drving range. I experimented with it on the golf course but all my confidence was in my swing of 19 years. I was unable to play for over a year, I am in the Army and I haven't been home much. When I got back home and on vacation I wanted to play golf, I stunk and couldn't even find the golf course and all my feel was gone. I couldn't get it back. That is when I got serious with NG.
These last two years since I have abandoned my conventional swing and made myself stick with NG. I got NG golf grips and that was the point of no return for me. It has paid off big time. I am always being told how consistent my golf shots are. I don't hit a lot of fairways and greens like a pro, but I hit more than I ever did with my conventional swing. I don't get into the big trouble I use to get into, for me it all depends on the short game and putting. That is what I practice the most now as I only need just to warm up with my full swing. The NG swing gives me a chance to hit a green or get close enough to chip or pitch.
When I play with new people they always ask if I know my golf club isn't right behind the ball and I hold the club like a baseball bat? I tell them yes and they usually shake their head and say, whatever you're doing don't change, it really works for you.
If you are considering making the change, focus on the drills until they are second nature to you before heading off to the range to beat balls. When you are on the range don't worry about where it goes, focus more on your technique to groove the swing. Lastly, after you got the technique down and you are pretty confident you're going to make contact, which won't take long, then practice focusing on a target and not thinking about the golf swing. Just focus on the results.
The first few times you play, you will be thinking about what people think. You have to keep your target orientation and be results focused and it will all work out.
For me the frustrating part of the game is the short game, it is all feel, distance control, and imagination. The tee shot and approach shots are fun and I am very confident I am going to make good contact. Now my golf equation is the more I play the better my short game is and the lower my score is, when I don't get to play much, I always make good contact, but struggle trying to find the feel to get close to the hole.
I play with PING G2 Irons and G5 woods. The G2s are oversized and I play with stiff shafts because my swing is pretty strong. The 460cc head of the G5 is great for boosting your confidence. I have never tried NG clubs and would be interested to know if people find they make a real difference for playing NG.

Dane,I first tried regripping my regular clubs with natural golf grips.Later I bought a set of natural golf clubs.Little or no difference in the irons.Didn't buy the driver. Their beryllium-copper fairway woods are the best I've ever hit.I love Natural Golf.

You already have clubs that are 100% better then the inferior junk that Natural Golf sells.
Todd Graves (the former poster boy for NG) has broken off from the company, and even he say's that the NG clubs are crappy, they are too long, and the lie angle doesn't need to be higher for an NG swing then it does for CG, all swings are single axis at impact anyways.

Today I used the natural golf method for the first time after reading it on internet this week. I never practiced it before. I just went out and used it. I must say that it is the first time I have ever consistently found the green after twenty years of using conventional methods. I felt good after the game not tired or sore because I was playing mainly on the fairway and not under the trees and the rough. I might also add that I beat my friend for the first time who is on a singel handicap. I am on 13.
I am going to perfect it because it feel good, natural and awesome.

About two years ago I took up Natural Golf. Yep! Got the videos, got the clubs, got the one day school. Now I'm happy to say that after 7 years of struggling with conventional golf and being able to shoot consistently in the low 90's, I now have a higher handicap (It's been as high as seventeen in my Golf League with nine holes of play), I consistently shoot in the 103 to 110 range, EVERYTHING on my body is sore, and I have come to the conclusion that I suck at golf, and there is NOTHING natural about it. Don't believe all the hype. You either have some athletic ability or you do not. I do not.

Now in my 84th year I learned and have been using " Natural Golf " since the Spring of 1937 .. Imagine using hickory stick clubs with merely "rolling" your wrists instead of cocking & un-cocking. No hooking or Slicing .. and sore backs.
Yes, this was the way Golf was played prior to the innovation of Metal Shafts .. and the Intro of Power Golf that has today created many a sore back. In the last 30 years have conducted many clinics for Chiropractors at no cost .. but we lots of fine results for coachable golfers. It is not for everyone .. but for those who adopt is a great walk in the Park for a lifetime.

I have played golf for many years and have really gotten consistent with the single plane swing Natural Golf teaches. It is obvious McDonald has not done his research. I would think twice about any opinions he expouses on other topics.
His hat size must be a larger number than his IQ. Maybe he can't help homself. He is, after all, an American.

I had my first golf experience today, ever. Never swung a club beyond putt putt. After one day of private lessons in the Natural Golf "concept" I was driving perfectly straight at nearly 200 yards. Taking a golf class is embarrasing when you are 31 years old. What would have been more embarrasing? Having to play a round, as you call it, and hitting the ball like the other guys with expensive clubs, shoes and stogies. I am a computer nerd that hasn't exercised in over 5 years beyond walking to a vending machine. I would and will recommend Natural Golf to any of my other sunshine deprived brethren who need to learn how to start playing golf. I will also recommend it to anyone I speak with that says they have trouble. Well, let's face it, I don't know any golfers but I am sure that I will be meeting some soon.

If you've ever seen any footage of Moe hitting the ball you would have seen golfing greatness.
I took up Natural Golf a few years ago and my game has dramatically improved from high 100s to low 80s and this month I broke 80 twice from the gold (7000 yd) tees. My handicap has dropped below 10 for the first time in my life. My back feels great. I can easily play 2 rounds per day. Natural Golf has been the best thing to happen to my golf game ever. I hit it so far and straight that my golfing friends have nicknamed it "un-Natural Golf"
If you want to play better golf, just play Natural Golf.
(note: I am not associated with the NG people in any way - just a huge fan of NG and Moe Norman)

Natural Golf is fantastic, easier to learn and more reproducable. In tennis, which I also play, there are many swings and grips. WHy not in golf? Natural Golf is a good alternative and should be taught more often because it is much easier to learn.

Natural Golf is the Real Deal...for a lot of people who struggle with "conventional" swing application.
Notice I did'nt say ...for everyone.
I've been playing for 28 yrs...most of that time struggling with "conventional swing" ideology and lessons. Practiced at the range and at home...religously...I could shoot in the 80's...mid to high...but had to grind my a$$ off to do it...and catch some breaks along the way....things just never seemed to flow very well for an entire round...overswinging, underswinging, blocking..not making good contact...thin, fat or ugly...I hit them all or rather "mishit".
Years ago, I read the series of articles in Golf Digest on Moe's way of swinging the club.
I bought the materials....my game today...in no way resembles it's tortured past.
I shoot in the low 80's as a rule.
I've had rounds in the mid/high 70's, and feel like I can shoot par or better, if i can get my putting to stay true.
I'm no longer tired or sore after a round...I routinely play extra holes, usually 2 1/2 rounds at a time.
I do'nt have to practice for hours and hours...literally the only warm up I do is on the first hole....4 or 5 swings executed properly ...and i'm "grooved".
I gained a little distance...but a whole lot of accuracy....I consistently draw the ball(never before).
Everything above is because of one thing..solid contact with the ball.
My old swing mechanics had too much loose motion in it...from the second i moved...I was offline. Natural Golf...simplifies everything...no wasted motion.
Here's a point to consider...everyone has seen the infomercial with A.J.(TRUTH ABOUT GOLF)...hitting a ball, straight and long..while standing on ONE LEG...both from his front and rear legs.....this should tell you that rotation of the hips can be minimal and still hit shots well enough to score with them. Moe Norman knew this long ago.
If you struggle with your swing mecahnics, try Moe's technique , if it dont work for you put it on ebay...its a lot cheaper than lessons....and it'll take your game a lot further in a shorter time.

I get confused over all the differences in the Natural Golf. In the Natural Golf magazine, durine an interview with Moe, its says that he gripped the club with his left hand very hard like he was squeezing blood from a stone, and very easy with his right hand, but in other natural golf articles they tell you to grip the club lightly enough so that the club doesn't go flying out of your hands when you hit the ball. Which is correct? and one other thing, ..why are natural golf clubs so expensive compared to other conventional clubs?

I started playing golf when I was 6 and played until high school when I switched to tennis. After I was injured, I came back to golf in my late 30's. After 2 years working on my conventional swing, I was about a 22 index. Then, one day, after a particularly horrible round with pro Kevin Sutherland in a charity event, I went home, ordered the Natural Golf tapes and changed my swing. After two years, I am now a 14 index and have broken 80 three times. It works.

I played in a "Snowbirds" scramble today at the Raven GC in Sandestin, Florida and noticed that one of our 4some was using the Natural Golf swing and grip. This fellow is pushing 70 and has a 10 handicap. Asked how he learned the technique and he replied that he used Videos and Instruction manuals produced by Moe Norman. I can tell you that his drives ranged from 250 to 290 yards and all of his shots were as straight as a die. Am giving serious consideration to testing this method.

Name me three other players who have carded three 59's in their professional careers on any tour. Ok, two other players? One? Moe did it with his "dubious...Canadian...stink-bug-like" swing. You sound like many among the press and players of Moe's time, who mocked Moe for his unconventional style. I'd swing the club like spastic orangutan if it worked. For me, Natural Golf works, 20 to 9 handicap in two years and still making steady progress.

I also believe in Natural Golf but am having troulble with my swing. I know that I must be doing something wrong but I just can't figure it out, I suspect it's my grip. Please tell me who you took lessons from. I have only learned from watching the videos and have been playing golf two years.

The proof is in the pudding all I know is that at 67 my handicap has dropped from 15 to 9.9 since I took up the Moe Norman methods. I think Mr.McDonald is trying to generate comments. Hitting a bucket of balls is not enough even if you know what you are talking about. Not every swing is taught by "established" teachers witness Jim Furyk or the old putting style of Billy Mayfair but it does get the job done.

What is this guy talking about? Golf has been evolving since it's inception. Where would the game be if the founding fathers quit because it was different and funny looking? Besides let's face it, for the most part we're all amatures on the course. I've played with many conventional golfers that had anything but a conventional looking swing, and they did just fine. Myself, I've switched from conventional to natural, back to conventional and now back to natural. I've learned many things about my swing by embracing change. The bottom line is, if it works then use it. I wanted to commect because the article just seemed to be a vehicle for this guy to look down his nose and let the rest of us know that he's much better than the rest of us, and his opinion is all we need. If you're going to critique natural, hitting a couple of buckets out on the range (without the proper grips) is not the way to do it. Like anything else, it takes a little time and practice. Anyway thanks for letting me post my opinion. Happy golfing no matter which method you use.

IF YOU EVER SAW MOE NORMAN HIT GOLF BALLS, YOU NEVER WILL FORGET IT. THE CONSISTANCY, THE SOUND, THE FLIGHT OF THE BALL, PERFECT, EVERY TIME. THE BALL WOULD HAVE PERFECT BACKSPIN, AND WHEN THE BALL STOPPED SPINNING, IT JUST DROPPED OUT OF THE SKY, EXACTLY ON LINE AND EXACTLY THE DISTANCE HE INTENDED. MOE WAS THE BEST, BAR NONE, WHEN IT CAME TO BALL STRIKING.

is the moe Norman's swing that is being taught at the "natural golf schools" different than the Moe Norman's swing that is taught be individual pro teachers, such as Todd Graves in Florida, different?
I don't want to waste time with a school or teacher who is not the real deal and would like to learn Mr. Norman's swing and appraoch to striking golf balls.
Thanks for any help on this.
Robert
Massachusetts

Echoing Scott's comments, Moe carried the nickname "pipeline" around the Canadian and US PGA for decades because he was so consistently accurate down the middle. Lee Trevino described Moe as "the purest ball striker I've ever seen".
Also, IF you had done any homework, you may have learned that Moe passed away last fall; and deserving of a lot more respect than you gave himn in your 'lunchtime editorial'.
Try being a bit more professional - AND - respectful... who knows? Perhaps you could develop some adequacy as a column writer someday.

Before you write about various golf methods that you have "tried" but more importantly about people...please do your homework. Moe Norman was not a maverick golf instructor...Moe was one of the greatest ball strikers of all time as evaluated by his peers such as Lee Trevinio. The Natural Golf Method was devised by Jack Kukendall who is a golf magazine top 100 instructor and the method teaches a swing that is similar to Moe Norman's swing.
Give Moe his due and do your homework before your next post. Follow this link and you might learn something http://www.scigolf.com/scigolf/mnormanbio.htm or you might also want to check out Tim O'Connors book about Moe.

The article describes Moe Norman, "...who has a reputation for being one of the game's maverick teachers."
Moe Norman never gave a golf lesson in his life, he was too shy. Do your homework.
Hitting a bucket of balls with conventional grips is not playing Natural Golf.
Natural Golf (as demonstrated by Moe Norman) is revolutionary. The swing that is being taught by Natural Golf, Inc. is a perversion of Moe Norman's swing.

My two sons and I just started taking Natural Golf lessons at our local golf course. You say in your response that the swing being taught at Natural Golf is a perversion of Moe Norman's swing. What's the difference between the two and how can I be sure my particular instructor isn't teaching us the original Moe Norman version?

Misconceptions, disinformation and a try at using some very clear swing principles from a couple of looks at some film footage....
There are very clear reasons why Moe set the club so far behind the ball, the right elbow trigger, the power point on the left side of the body, the single axis through the mid thoracic region, the grip etc..... I could go on about this for an hour. The writer is uninformed.
Someone said in a post that they had no fun swinging this way or that they lost power.
I can tell you this. I play 4-5 times a week, at a 1.3 index on a slope 132 rated private track. I worked with a coach (who was a traditional 2 planer) who was very close to Moe for many years and actually played against him in Canada, (I'm from Canada). In my case he said; "We're going to give you Moe", this will work for you. At the time my cap had ballooned up to a 8 from a 3. I was becoming all hands, lots of left on the golf course and hooks. He gave me Moe and that was that.
I know the swing.
I have never had a distance loss from the swing. Moe's sneaky transition move and lower motor is much more powerful than it looks.
It makes a big difference when you hit it pure.
He would hit balls on a range with a 3 wood, and 100 balls in a row were out there in a small circle about 5 yards wide or less.
My ball speed with the driver cruises at around 158-162, my 150 club is a solid 9 irons.
The beauty of this swing is (for me at any rate) laser like precision, straight as an arrow, and I have no distance loss, nor have I ever.
Hit it flush and it goes....
Moe hit is so flush that the sound of the club was different. I have seen hours of video on him from private tapes.
If you are getting stuck at the top and cannot have any decent wrist action then you aren't working Moe's swing.
Natural Golf (the company) presented aspects of the swing and 'some' things that were off track.
I can tell you that I was having joint pain in my hands and I finally switched to a 10 finger grip and (for me) it works great.
Moe went through two periods of grip.
You need to understand something about Moe. It's not that he was a Maverick.
He never went to see a doctor until the age of 68.
In today's circles we would be perhaps talking about functionally autistic or Asperger's.
He was 2 degrees to the left so to speak of the entire world.
I can tell you this. When Moe said; "I'm going to hit it 'double straight', it's a terminology that came out of his own little world. He had a world and it was a wonderful one where the game that he loved as a purist was with him every day.
I have seen home video footage of him hitting 250 markers on a driving range with the driver and you could hear the wood go "ping" repeatedly.
He was that accurate.
To make disparaging comments about a man like Moe is to understand little of what he was and what he shared.
He shot 59 three times. Held a list of Canadian victories and was not made for tour life and that mentality.
Look up Asperger's..... Learn something.
Every time you hear him speak and he starts throwing numbers and calculations at you, like he was a calculator... What do you think that is?
I'm an osteopathic physician, I have been in practice for 18 years and I know what functional autism looks like.
The story of Moe leading a tournament into the last hole with a putt to win by 3, and watching him putt into a bunker to see if he could make it up and down to win is a real story.
It's the puzzle resolver component of Asperger's and autism spectrum disorder.
As stated, Moe was never diagnosed but those were very strong traits that he demonstrated.
He was a gem and the game was better for having had him.

Wow! John, your contribution captures very effectively the unique character and freaky performer that was Moe Norman. He was unique and he basically invented a particular swing that he practiced like a demon on a mission. He made the single plane swing his own signature golf swing. His consistency is legendary and he received accolades from some of the best tour pros, including Lee Travino and Tiger Woods. His peculiar style wasn't pretty but was extraordinarily successful. His ability to hit long and straight has probably never been equalled in the history of golf. The numbers he produced, as evidenced by his track record, is undeniable. His precision off the tee was scary because it was so good. From the responses in this column, his method can clearly be used successfully by others who care to take the time to learn his technique and PRACTICE effectively.
What still remains a huge puzzle to me is why NOT ONE professional tour player uses his technique. I also have to say that the writer of the lead article was poorly researched and disrespectful to an amazing golfer and an amazing man. A very poor effort Tim McDonald!! Moe was 'special' and probably had both emotional and mental issues that caused him to be so different to the 'normal' tour players. He was a square peg in a round hole. He struggled to 'fit in' to the fraternity of professional golf - particular on the US tour. However, the history of golf is much richer and in a strange way more human because of a man called Moe Norman. Moe is a true legend. Rest in peace Moe.

I've been using the Moe Norman single axis/plane swing for a while. I didn't go to the Natural Golf Schools when they were first out years ago. And I haven't been to the Graves Golf Schools either. I learned from an original Video and Book Pack from the late 90's. "Natural Golf". I'm up here in Toronto Canada and am a public links player. I've been taught the 'conventional swing' by teaching pros. I have to say that method of 2 swing planes and 2 swing arcs messed up my back royaly. I have no one to blame but myself for that. When Moe passed away in 2004 I believe, I dug up this Video pack and started adopting these swing principles. I'm not text book Moe such as the Right Palm Grip, mine is less palm-like or a Moe Wide Stance, mine is a bit narrower with more knee flex. All I can say that this swing works! And I don't need to beat 4 large buckets a day to keep my long game working. And yes the ball goes longer and straighter! My personal feelings about the convention golf swing is that it is very intricate and from my experience one needs to be strong with flexible to make a good go at it. And of course lots of balls hit to perfect the timing, staying on plane, squaring the clubface on impact etc. I think if I was a bit more financially independent and a member of a Country Club or Private Golf Club I would could iron out old "Rock and Block" swing like Nicklaus and Watson, but despite all that work I put in my game I never broke 80! I now am shooting in the 70s and my back doesn't hurt on the left hip side and I don't spend that much time nor $ at my range or $ on lessons. Yes, the swing set up looks different as the hands are well past the feet compared to a conventional set up but the simplicity of the Single Plane-Axis works! I encourage golfers who have tried many Pros and Quick Fixs that don't work for you to check out this Moe Norman Swing! I've never met Moe Norman nor the Graves brothers who have schools to teach the method, but I ensure you this Swing works.

If this individual is still writing about golf, I would suggest that he find another job. Knowing what golfers around the world know about the ball striking ability of Moe Norman, and what he achieved on the Canadian Tour; it became quite obvious that this guy does not know anything about golf. I can't believe that something like this was even published.

I have read almost all the reviews on Moe Norman. I have been playing golf for 60 years, I am 68 now. In my 20's my handicap was in the plus range, now am a 3 on a quite difficult golf course. I have had a number of surgeries, one of these on my L 4 and L 5 disc. I love to hit practice balls, but due to the back, I was unable to continue that process. I have tried everything to keep playing golf. I've heard about Moe Norman 15 years ago, and did nothing with it. I started about two months ago suing his grip and having my hands higher to keep the club in line. To make sure my right foot is on the ground through contact with the ball.
I have been hitting two full buckets of balls every other day. I still have discomfort and have to watch myself, my pain level is a lot less after using moe's method. Moe's method may not be for everyone, were all physically different in stature. His method may not work for you. As for me I am able to golf more with less discomfort.

We all love golf course rankings, but there's quite a bias involved, huh? Host a major championship and you're basically guaranteed a spot on the list. What about the average duffer who's more impressed with the beer list than the slope/rating - or prefers friendliness over the fine, imported lotion in the locker room? Where's our list, hackers? Answer: Right here. ... full article »